Power Supply Circuit with a Control Terminal for Different Functional Modes of Operation

ABSTRACT

A method of operation for flyback power converter includes operating a controller of the flyback power converter in a regulation mode when a control signal is below a first threshold. The control signal is provided as an input to a terminal of the flyback power converter. When the control signal is below a second threshold and above the first threshold, the controller is operated in a limiting mode. The controller is operated in an external command mode when the control signal is below a third threshold and above the second threshold. Lastly, when the control signal is above the third threshold, the controller is operated in a protection mode.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 13/670,302,filed Nov. 6, 2012, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 12/658,479,filed Feb. 10, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,310,845, both of which areassigned to the assignee of the present application.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of electroniccircuitry. More particularly, the present disclosure relates toswitching power converters that deliver a regulated output current to aload.

BACKGROUND

Electronic devices use power to operate. Switching power converters arecommonly used due to their high efficiency, small size and low weight topower many of today's electronics. Conventional wall sockets provide ahigh voltage alternating current. In a switching power converter a highvoltage alternating current (ac) input is converted to provide a wellregulated direct current (dc) output through an energy transfer element.The switching power converter typically includes a controller thatprovides output regulation by sensing the output and controlling it in aclosed loop. In operation, a power switch is utilized to provide thedesired output by varying the duty cycle (typically the ratio of thetime the power switch is able to conduct current over a certain timeperiod) of the switch to control the transfer of energy between theinput and the output of the power converter. The controller of the powerconverter may provide output regulation by adjusting the duty cycle ofthe power switch in response to sensing the output. In operation, theswitch may produce a pulsating current having a frequency regulated bythe controller to produce a substantially constant output current at theload.

In one example, a controller of a switching power converter may bedesigned to perform a power factor correction and regulation. Morespecifically, power factor correction allows for the input current toproportionately change with the ac input voltage to increase powerefficiency. In many power converter circuits, the power factorcorrection feature that is included may require the controller tooperate in different control modes to achieve optimal efficiency whileregulating within a certain tolerance. A drawback of this approach,however, is that the inclusion of multiple control modes must beimplemented with additional inputs which may increase the need foradditional pins on the controller of the power converter, thusincreasing the cost of the controller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter of the present disclosure is illustrated by way ofexample, and not limitation, in the figures of the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example circuit block diagram of a switching powerconverter circuit configured to deliver a regulated output current to aload.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example graph or chart that shows multipledistinctive operating modes or functions for the controller shown inFIG. 1 depending on voltage of a control signal.

FIG. 3A illustrates an example detailed circuit schematic diagram of aswitching power converter.

FIG. 3B illustrates an example detailed circuit schematic diagram of theswitching power converter of FIG. 3A with a switching load.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example controller of a switching power converter.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of a temporary feedback terminal are described herein. Inthe following description numerous specific details are set forth toprovide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. One skilled in therelevant art will recognize, however, that the techniques describedherein can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, orwith other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances,well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown ordescribed in detail to avoid obscuring certain aspects.

In the following description specific details are set forth, such asdevice types, voltages, component values, configurations, etc., in orderto provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described.However, persons having ordinary skill in the relevant arts willappreciate that these specific details may not be needed to practice theembodiments described. It is further appreciated that well known circuitstructures and elements have not been described in detail, or have beenshown in block diagram form, in order to avoid obscuring the embodimentsdescribed.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the phrases“in one embodiment” or “in an example embodiment” in various placesthroughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the sameembodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, orcharacteristics may be combined in any suitable manner (e.g.,combinations and/or sub-combinations) in one or more embodiments.

A controller of a power converter with a control terminal that receivesinputs to indicate multiple functions is disclosed. In one mode ofoperation, the control terminal receives a control signal with a certainvalue that indicates a feedback control such that the controller mayregulate the output current of the power converter at a certain valuewhile implementing power factor correction. In another mode ofoperation, the control terminal may receive a control signal with acertain value that indicates a cycle by cycle control that allows theoutput current to be limited to a maximum value. While implementing acycle by cycle control, controller gives up power factor correction. Inanother mode of operation, the control terminal may receive a controlsignal with a certain value to indicate that the controller perform inresponse to an external command signal. In one example, the externalsignal may implement a pulse width modulation (PWM) dimming controlwhich allows the output current to be delivered to the load (e.g., oneor more LEDs) for only a percentage of the time. During this operationthe controller inhibits switching of the power switch or may switch thepower switch at a fixed rate independently of regulating the outputcurrent of the power converter. In other words, the controller receivesa signal to operate in an open loop control mode in response to anexternal signal. In yet another mode, the control terminal may receive acontrol signal with a certain value to indicate that the controllerperform a protection mode of operation to shut down the power supply andpermanently prevent switching of the power switch.

In the context of the present application, when a transistor is in an“off state” or “off” the transistor does not substantially conductcurrent. Conversely, when a transistor is in an “on state” or “on” thetransistor is able to substantially conduct current. By way of example,in one embodiment, a high-voltage transistor comprises an N-channelmetal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) with thehigh-voltage being supported between the first terminal, a drain, andthe second terminal, a source. The high voltage MOSFET comprises a powerswitch that is driven by an integrated controller circuit to regulateenergy provided to a load For purposes of this disclosure, “ground” or“ground potential” refers to a reference voltage or potential againstwhich all other voltages or potentials of an electronic circuit orIntegrated circuit (IC) are defined or measured.

As shown, FIG. 1 illustrates an example block diagram of a switchingpower converter circuit 100 (i.e., a power converter) configured todeliver a constant output current I_(OUT) to a load 165. As shown, thetopology of switching power converter 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 is thatof a flyback converter. It is appreciated that other types of topologiesand configurations of switching regulators may be employed in differentembodiments. Furthermore, it is noted that although a flyback convertertopology is described in the context of an example switching powerconverter, it is appreciated that the teachings provided herein may alsoapply to other technologies, e.g., other applications that may involveinductive load switching, or the like.

As shown, switching power converter 100 includes a rectifier 102 coupledto receive an externally-generated ac input voltage, V_(AC), appliedacross input terminals 114. In the example shown, rectifier circuit 102is a full bridge rectifier comprising four diodes that produce afull-wave rectified voltage, V_(RECT), across input capacitor C_(F)coupled between node 111 and node 112 (i.e., ground potential). In oneexample, input voltage, V_(AC), may be an ordinary ac line voltage(e.g., 85V-265V between 50-60 Hz).

As shown, an energy transfer element 125, which includes an inputwinding 175 and an output winding 176, is coupled between ac rectifiedvoltage V_(RECT) provided at node 111 at an input side of switchingpower converter 100 and load 165 at an output side of power converter100. In one example, energy transfer element 125 may be used togalvanically isolate the input side and output side of switching powerconverter 100. As further shown, a power switch 120 is coupled toprimary winding 175 to regulate the transfer of energy from node 111 toload 165. In one embodiment, power switch 120 is a power metal oxidesemiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET). An input filtercapacitor 185 is shown coupled across node 111 and a ground potentialnode 112. It is appreciated by one skilled in the art that when inputfilter capacitor 185 is a small capacitance, ac rectified voltageV_(RECT) maintains a substantially sinusoidal shape which may allow forhigher power factor correction.

In operation, controller 145 is coupled to generate a pulsed drivesignal U_(DRIVE) 156 that is coupled to control switching of powerswitch 120 in response to control signal U_(CON) 157. In one example,controller 145 is implemented on a monolithic device. In anotherexample, power switch 120 and controller 145 are integrated together ina single monolithic device inside of a package 158. In one example,package 158 is a four terminal package that includes controller 145 andpower switch 120 and may be capable of regulating an output current andsimultaneously implementing power factor correction. More specifically,a first terminal may be coupled to the drain of power switch 120, asecond terminal may be coupled to the source of power switch 120, athird terminal may be coupled to receive control signal U_(CON) 157 formultiple functions, and a fourth terminal may be coupled to receive asupply voltage VSUPPLY from a bypass capacitor 183.

As shown, drive signal U_(DRIVE) 156 may be a rectangular pulse waveformwith logical high and low periods generated by controller 145 whereinthe logic high value corresponds to a closed switch and a logic lowcorresponds to an open switch. As is appreciated by persons of skill inthe art, the switching frequency of power switch 120 and a peak value ofa switch current I_(SW) determines the amount of energy transferred toload 165 and may be adjusted by controller 145 to regulate power to theoutput of power converter 100.

As shown, a clamp circuit 110 is coupled to the primary winding 175 ofthe energy transfer element 125 to control the maximum voltage on powerswitch 120. In operation, power switch 120 produces pulsating currentsthrough diode 130 that is filtered by output capacitor 135 to produce asubstantially constant output current. I_(OUT) at load 165. Outputcapacitor 135 is coupled between one end of secondary winding 176 ofenergy transfer element 125 and the cathode of diode 130. The anode ofdiode 130 is shown coupled to the other end of secondary winding 176.According to one embodiment, capacitor 135 is a non-electrolyticcapacitor with a relatively small capacitance. Although a ripple on theoutput current is produced with greater amplitude with a smallcapacitance value for capacitor 135, the controller may chop off orlimit the amplitude of the output current at a certain output currentthreshold by implementing a cycle by cycle switching scheme. Thisresults in limiting the peak value of the output current I_(OUT) throughload 165 which may in turn limit the amount of heat generated by load165 (such as an LED), thereby increasing the longevity of load 165.

The output signal that is regulated is generally shown in FIG. 1 asoutput signal U_(O), which may be an output voltage V_(OUT), outputcurrent I_(OUT), or some combination of the two. In operation, afeedback circuit 160 receives output signal U_(O) and produces a controlsignal U_(CON) 157 that is input to controller 145 via a controlterminal 147. In one example, control signal U_(CON) 157 may berepresentative of a feedback signal that regulates an output currentI_(OUT). Feedback circuit 160 may comprise any one of the many knownmechanisms/circuits used to measure output current. I_(OUT), including,without limitation, a current transformer, a voltage across a resistor,or a voltage across a transistor when the transistor is conducting.

As further shown, an external command circuit 162 is coupled to feedbackcircuit 160. In one example, external command circuit 162 may influencefeedback circuit 160 to change the value of control signal U_(CON) 157by an external command signal U_(EXT) 163. For example, external commandcircuit 162 may output external command signal U_(EXT) 163 such that thevalue of control signal U_(CON) 157 changes and controller 145temporarily inhibits switching of power switch 120 to allow powerconverter 100 to perform PWM dimming. In other words, in the case whereload 165 comprises a light element (e.g., one or more LEDs), externalcommand circuit 162 may generate an external voltage or signal (e.g., auser input, or a high output voltage) in a range that changes the valueof control signal U_(CON) 157 to direct controller 145 to changefunctionality from a normal closed loop feedback mode of operation to apulse width modulated (PWM) dimming operation with respect to the LEDload.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example graph or chart that shows multipledistinctive operating modes or functions for controller 145 in powerconverter 100 in FIG. 1 depending on the voltage of a control signalU_(CON) 157 being received through external control terminal 147. In afirst operating mode, also referred to as the regulation mode (shown asvoltage zone 210), controller 145 may utilize a PFC switching schemewhile regulating. More specifically, in voltage zone 210 controller 145may maintain a constant duty cycle and a constant switching period overa half line cycle of the ac rectified voltage V_(AC). More specifically,the switching period may be defined as a specific time period thatsubsequently repeats, and the duty cycle may be defined as the ratio ofthe time power switch 120 is able to conduct, over the switching period.The switching frequency, the rate at which power switch 120 switches,may be adjusted for every half line cycle by adjusting the switchingfrequency in response to output signal U_(O) in order to regulate outputcurrent I_(OUT). In another example, the duty cycle of power switch 120may be adjusted in response to output signal U_(O) in order to regulateoutput current I_(OUT). According to the following example, theswitching frequency and/or duty cycle may be adjusted for the subsequenthalf line cycle based on the output signal U_(O) for the previous halfline cycle. In this manner, controller 145 regulates the output currentI_(OUT) and simultaneously employs power factor correction. It will beappreciated that the switching scheme used in regulation mode 210 allowsfor power factor correction when using a flyback topology converter in adiscontinuous mode of operation. In a specific embodiment, controller145 may include a counter that counts when control terminal 147 is abovea 300 mV threshold and may count down when control terminal 147 is belowthe 300 mV threshold during a half line cycle. Based on the resultantcount, controller 145 can adjust switching frequency or duty cycleduring the next half line cycle to regulate output current I_(OUT).

In a second operation mode, referred to as a limiting mode (shown asvoltage zone 220), controller 145 employs another switching scheme tolimit output current I_(OUT) to a maximum value. This operation mode maybe useful when the output capacitor 135 of FIG. 1 is a low valuecapacitor and the output current may exceed a second threshold (550 mV)only during a portion of the half line cycle due to the peak of acrectified voltage V_(RECT). In this operation mode, controller 145 mayuse a cycle by cycle or cycle skipping control scheme to enable ordisable power switch 120 during a switching period to limit controlsignal U_(CON) 157 from exceeding 550 mV. In other words, whencontroller 145 is operating in a limiting mode controller 145 determinesif power switch 120 should switch during each switching cycle. Duringthis switching scheme power factor correction may deteriorate. Powerconverter 100 may also operate in limiting mode to temporary limitexcessive power being delivered to the output in the event of an inputline voltage surge. In the limiting mode of operation the output load isprotected from excessive electrical/thermal stress.

In a third operation mode, referred to as an external command mode(shown as voltage zone 230), controller 145 switches power switch 120 inresponse to external signal U_(EXT) 163. According to the example inFIG. 2, controller 145 operates in external command mode when controlsignal U_(CON) 157 is between 1 V and 2 V. In one example, whencontroller 145 is operating in external command mode, controller 145inhibits switching to perform a PWM dimming of load 165. Morespecifically, the feedback state of controller 145 is not interruptedwhen external command signal U_(EXT) 163 is received. When controlterminal 147 drops below voltage zone 230 controller 145 resumesswitching in response to state of feedback prior to control terminal 147entering voltage zone 230. In external command mode, controller 145operates in an open loop mode. In other words, controller 145 operatesindependently of load 165. In one example, external signal U_(EXT) 163may be sent to another portion of power converter 100.

In a fourth operation mode, referred to as a protection mode (shown asvoltage zone 240), controller 145 latches off power switch 120. In otherwords, when control terminal 147 rises above ˜2V into zone 240,controller 145 turns power switch 120 off and does not restartswitching. As shown, protection mode may be useful in the event of afault condition, such as when load 165 is shorted.

FIG. 3A illustrates an example detailed circuit schematic diagram of aswitching power converter circuit 300 that is similar to power convertercircuit 100 of FIG. 1, and further shows an example feedback circuit 360and an example external command circuit 362 in more detail. Also, a load365 illustrates a set of coupled LEDs 386 in series and coupled betweenoutput terminals or nodes 391 & 392. As shown, feedback circuit 360 isshown including a feedback capacitor C_(FB) 380 coupled between groundpotential 312 and node 385. In one example, node 385 may berepresentative of a control signal U_(CON) received by controller 345.Feedback circuit 360 also includes a sense resistor 378 coupled betweennode 385 and a node 390, and a resistor 379 coupled between node 390 andground potential 312. Resistors 378 & 379 implement a network thatsenses the output current I_(OUT) flowing through LEDs 386 and provide afeedback voltage at node 385 input to controller 345.

In the example of FIG. 3A external command circuit 362 is showncomprising external signal generator 398, which functions to drive NPNtransistor 394 on and off. In one example, external signal generator maygenerate a signal to perform an open loop function independent ofregulating the output current. In one example, external signal generatoroutputs a signal that indicates to controller 345 to inhibit switchingof power switch 120. As shown, the collector of NPN transistor 394 iscoupled to node 385. A resistor 373 is coupled in series with diode 371between node 391 and node 376. As further shown, resistor 374 is coupledbetween node 376 and a bypass input to controller 145 at node 377. Abypass capacitor 387 is shown coupled between nodes 377 and ground node312. In operation, when a certain particular voltage at the base oftransistor 394 is applied, node 385 is pulled up to approximately thevoltage applied to the base minus a threshold voltage. For example, ifthe voltage applied to the base of NPN transistor 394 is 2 V, and thebase-collector threshold voltage is 0.6 V, then the voltage at node 385is 1.4 V and controller 345 enters into voltage zone 230. In thismanner, external signal generator 398 directs controller 345 to beginoperating in an open loop mode in which the output current I_(OUT)through load 365 is pulsed at a certain duty factor or duty cycle.Changing the duty cycle of the pulsating current through LEDs 386 variesthe intensity of light. This operation is completely independent ofoutput current I_(OUT) through load 65, and may be controlled externalof controller 345 (e.g., external command circuit 362).

FIG. 3B shows the example power converter 300 of FIG. 3A including anadditional PNP transistor 395 coupled in series with load 365. In oneexample, external signal generator 398 may output an additional signalto prevent output current I_(OUT) from conducting. As shown, the emitterof PNP transistor 395 is coupled to load 365. The collector of PNPtransistor 395 is coupled to output node 392. In operation, whenexternal signal generator 398 outputs a high voltage to the gates oftransistors 394 & 395, NPN transistor 394 turns on and PNP transistor395 turns off simultaneously. This interrupts the flow of output currentI_(OUT) through load 365 and signals controller 345 to inhibit switchingof power switch 120. In one embodiment, this mode of operation isinitiated when the voltage at node 385 is within a range of 1-2 V

Referring now to FIG. 4, an example controller 445 is shown in furtherdetail in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. It isappreciated that controller 445 may be one example of controller 145 inFIG. 1 and/or controller 345 in FIGS. 3A and 3B. As shown, controller445 includes a first comparator 401, a second comparator 402, a thirdcomparator 403, a fourth comparator 404, and control circuitry 405. Inoperation, control signal U_(CON) 457 is received by control terminal458. Comparators 401,402, 403 and 404 output an output signal inresponse to receiving control signal U_(CON) 457. As shown, comparators401, 402, 403, and 404 outputs a high or low signal if control signal ishigher than a particular reference. For example, comparator 401 willoutput a high signal if control signal U_(CON) 457 is greater than REF1.According to one example, REF1 may be approximately equal to 300 mV, REF2 may be approximately 550 mV, REF3 may be approximately equal to 1 V,and REF 4 may be approximately equal to 2 V. In operation, controlcircuitry 405 outputs a drive signal U_(DRIVE) 456 that controls theswitching of a power switch 120 in response to receiving output signalsfrom comparators 401, 402, 403 and 404. In another example, controlsignal U_(CON) 457 may be a current and comparators 401, 402, 403 and404 may be current comparators.

Although the present invention has been described in conjunction withspecific embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the arts willappreciate that numerous modifications and alterations are well withinthe scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the specification anddrawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictivesense.

1-15. (canceled)
 16. A controller for use in a power converter having anenergy transfer element with an input side that receives an ac line, andan output side that delivers an output signal to a load, a power switchbeing coupled to a primary winding of the energy transfer element forregulating a transfer energy of the output signal delivered to the load,the controller comprising: an input for receiving a control signal;comparator circuitry that compares the control signal to a first,second, and third reference signals, the comparator circuitryrespectively outputting first, second, and third comparator outputsignals, drive circuitry coupled to receive the first, second, and thirdcomparator output signals, the drive circuitry outputting a pulsed drivesignal responsive to the first, second, and third comparator outputsignals, the pulsed drive signal being coupled to control switching ofthe power switch, wherein when the control signal is within a firstrange of values the output signal delivered to the load is regulated ata certain value, when the control signal is within a second range ofvalues the output signal delivered to the load is limited to a maximumvalue, and when the drive signal is within a third range of valuesswitching of the power switch is disabled.
 17. The controller of claim16 wherein the first range of values corresponds to a closed loop modeof operation.
 18. The controller of claim 16 wherein the second range ofvalues corresponds to a limiting mode of operation.
 19. The controllerof claim 16 wherein the third range of values corresponds to aprotection mode of operation.
 20. The controller of claim 16 wherein thethird range of values is greater than the second range of values. 21.The controller of claim 16 wherein the second range of values is greaterthan the first range of values.
 22. The controller of claim 16 whereinthe comparator circuitry further compares the control signal to a fourthreference signal and outputs a fourth comparator output signal to thedrive circuitry, wherein when the control signal is within a fourthrange of values a pulse width modulation (PWM) dimming operation isimplemented with respect to the output signal delivered to the load. 23.The controller of claim 22 further wherein the fourth range of valuescorresponds to an external command mode of operation.
 24. The controllerof claim 22 further wherein the fourth range of values is greater thanthe second range of values.
 25. The controller of claim 16 wherein thecomparator circuitry further compares the control signal to a fourthreference signal and outputs a fourth comparator output signal to thedrive circuitry, wherein when the control signal is within a fourthrange of values a pulse width modulation (PWM) dimming operation isimplemented with respect to the output signal delivered to the load. 26.The controller of claim 16 wherein the comparator circuitry comprisesfirst, second, and third comparators coupled to receive the first,second, and third reference signals, and output the first, second, andthird comparator output signals, respectively.
 27. The controller ofclaim 16 wherein the first, second, and third comparators are eachvoltage comparators.
 28. The controller of claim 16 wherein the first,second, and third comparators are each current comparators.
 29. Acontroller for use in a power converter comprising: an input forreceiving a control signal; and a circuit coupled to receive the controlsignal and output a drive signal responsive thereto, the drive signalbeing coupled to control a power switch that regulates an output signaldelivered to a load of the power converter, wherein when the controlsignal is less than a first threshold the power converter operates in aregulation mode with the output signal delivered to the load beingregulated at a certain value, when the control signal is between thefirst threshold and a second threshold the power converter operates in alimiting mode with the output signal delivered to the load being limitedto a maximum value, and when the control signal is greater than a thirdthreshold the power converter operates in a protection mode with thepower switch being latched off.
 30. The controller of claim 28 whereinthe third threshold is greater than the second threshold.
 31. Thecontroller of claim 28 wherein the second threshold is greater than thefirst threshold.
 32. The controller of claim 28 wherein the circuitcomprises: comparator circuitry that compares the control signal to afirst, second, and third reference signals, the comparator circuitryrespectively outputting first, second, and third comparator outputsignals; and drive circuitry coupled to receive the first, second, andthird comparator output signals, the drive circuitry outputting thedrive signal responsive to the first, second, and third comparatoroutput signals.
 33. The controller of claim 28 wherein the drive signalis a pulsed drive signal coupled to control switching of the powerswitch.
 34. The controller of claim 32 wherein the comparator circuitryfurther compares the control signal to a fourth reference signal andoutputs a fourth comparator output signal to the drive circuitry,wherein when the control signal is less than the third threshold andgreater than the second threshold, a pulse width modulation (PWM)dimming operation is implemented with respect to the output signaldelivered to the load.
 35. The controller of claim 31 wherein thecomparator circuitry comprises first, second, and third comparatorscoupled to receive the first, second, and third reference signals, andoutput the first, second, and third comparator output signals,respectively.
 36. The controller of claim 34 wherein the first, second,and third comparators are each voltage comparators.
 37. The controllerof claim 34 wherein the first, second, and third comparators are eachcurrent comparators.